[Mechanisms underlying thyroid hormone response gene regulation during amphibian development].

Abstract

Amphibian metamorphosis is an excellent model to study the diverse effects of thyroid hormones (TH). TH modulate target gene expression via thyroid hormone receptors (TR). Generally, unliganded TR repress transcription, whereas liganded TR activate transcription. During metamorphosis, these dual effects of TR are evident. Moreover, we show that gene specific response to TH can underline the multiple effects of TH. Finally, studies of unliganded-thyroid hormone receptor function reveal a physiological role in eye development.